Stop The Immigration Ban: Latest Update

The resistance to Trump’s Muslim ban has been impressive. But the fight is not yet over. Here is an update and some more ways you can continue to help.

First, Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut announced yesterday that he will propose legislation defunding efforts to implement the Muslim ban in Trump’s Executive Order.

Elsewhere I have explained that Congressional action may be necessary to defeat the ban despite the high hopes we have for the lawsuits filed by the ACLU and others.

Accordingly, please contact your two Senators and tell them to co-sponsor or support Senator Murphy’s proposed legislation. Contact both of them every day. Be polite and direct.

Sen. Sherrod Brown:
Washington, DC: (202) 224-2315

Sen. Rob Portman:
Washington, DC: 202-224-3353

Here’s a sample script, but use your own language:

I am [—-] and I live in [state]. I oppose the Muslim ban. I also understand that Senator Murphy from Connecticut will introduce legislation that will combat that ban. I want my Senator to co-sponsor or support that legislation. I want my Senator to take action.

If phone lines are busy, consider faxing or emailing a short note. Faxes arrive quickly and are not held up like envelopes. Faxes also receive more attention than emails.

Second, several companies have taken a strong stand against the ban. It is important to let them know that you notice and you appreciate their actions. Like their Facebook page and post a comment telling them that you approve. Or send them a Facebook message. Follow them on Twitter and tweet out support. Send their corporate offices a letter. Buy their goods and services. Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of companies:

Lyft donated one million dollars to the ACLU to litigate against the ban.

Uber pledged a 3 million dollar defense fund for any of its drivers impacted by the ban (so please delete #DeleteUber posts or Tweets).

Airbnb is coordinating free housing for refugees who are unable to get into the U.S. because of the ban.

Amazon, Expedia, and Microsoft filed a lawsuit opposing the ban.

Foursquare publicly denounced the ban.

Starbucks denounced the ban and pledged to hire 10,000 refugees over the next five years in 75 countries.

In addition, executives from Adidas, Apple, Bank of America, Chobani, Chorus, Coco-Cola, Facebook, Ford, Foursquare, Netflix, Nike, Salesforce, Twitter, TripAdvisor have publicly denounced the ban. Consider contacting these companies and voicing support for the public anti-ban stance taken by their executives. Believe me. All of these companies are hearing from proponents of the ban who are being asked to threaten boycotts.

Keep fighting.

J.M. Burke is a lawyer who teaches Constitutional Law and Criminal Procedure while currently pursuing a PhD in Criminology. A 2001 graduate of Boston College Law School, she has practiced civil and criminal law, published scholarly articles, and performs pro bono services through several organizations.